Derby hero predicts tough Bristol test

Kate Longhurst is under no illusions as to the size of the task Liverpool Ladies face if they are to claim three points away at Bristol Academy on Saturday evening.

On the final dramatic day of last season, Matt Beard's side beat second-place Bristol 2-0 to clinch the Women's Super League title.

This year the two teams are close again with the Ladies in third, just two points and positions ahead of tonight's opponents.

Longhurst, who fired the winner against Everton in midweek, knows the Reds face another tough test at the Gifford Stadium.

"It was a massive three points for us on Wednesday but it is vital that we continue on our winning streak away to Bristol Academy in what will be another really tough game," she said.

"They recently beat Birmingham City away 5-0, which highlights what a good side they are, and will no doubt want to get one over on us having finished runners-up last season in the Women's Super League."

Liverpool now hope the midweek win over the Blues will kick-start their title challenge as they aim to put pressure on league leaders Birmingham, who are currently five points clear.

Longhurst added: "It was a typical Merseyside derby. It was a scrappy game and very much a battle but I thought that was our best performance of the season in terms of work-rate off the ball.

"I think we have looked a lot sharper since the break and are fortunate to have more players who are able to make an impact off the bench now.

"It was a great team goal. I think it was Fara [Williams] who played it down the left to Coco [Corina Schroder], who did well to find Tash [Natasha Dowie], who pulled it back perfectly and I struck it first time into the far corner.

"We put in two disappointing performances earlier in the season against Everton so we owed the supporters a performance and are pleased to be able to secure maximum points for the supporters as much as ourselves."